OXNARD, CALIF.- The worlds premier French automotive museum hosts a new art exhibition highlighting the works of visual artist Keith Collins. Collins, whose work explores the automotive realm, portraiture, music, sports and abstract genres, showcasing 20 art pieces influenced by the
Mullin Automotive Museum collection.
Titled ArTexture, the exhibit spotlights fine art tapestries, paintings and assemblage sculpture alongside the actual vehicles that inspired the very pieces. On display include a painting capturing the Mullins 1935 Voisin Type C25 Aerodyne winning Best of Show at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours dElegance, as well as a painting of the Mullins 1936 Type 57SC Bugatti Atlantic and a woodcut of the 1934 Voisin Type C27 Aérosport.
Primarily known for its distinguished selection of classic French automobiles and grand prix race cars, the Mullin also boasts a collection of unique pieces of furniture, decorative arts, paintings and photographs, further proving its commitment to the arts.
This collaboration perfectly illustrates my two passions: fine art and French cars, said Peter Mullin, founder and CEO of the Mullin Automotive Museum. I have long admired Keiths work, and I am delighted to host his first standalone exhibit at the museum.
Detailed tapestries of the collections 1939 Delahaye Type 165 and 1935 Hispano-Suiza J12 Cabriolet are on display. Both tapestries demonstrate Collins various techniques in capturing color and shape.
My process is similar to putting a jigsaw puzzle together, except I make my own pieces and reassemble them, all by hand, said artist Keith Collins. Ive always been passionate about the beauty of the automobile, and Im honored to display my work alongside the rolling sculptures at the Mullin.
Collins specializes in large-scale fine art tapestries, oil paintings and industrial assemblage sculptures. His work, which explores the automotive, portraiture, music, sports and abstract genres, is created through a labor-intensive process that includes layering materials piece-by-piece by hand or sewing them together with vintage sewing machines. His art hangs in the private homes of celebrities, garages, shops and collections around the world. Prized for uncompromising craftsmanship and photographic-like quality, his art must be seen in person to be fully appreciated.